The Democratic Unionist Party underwent a cycle of renominating ministers within a week and resigning again, to protect the roles being taken by other parties.

The Ulster Unionist Party revealed today it has submitted an application to Guinness World Records on behalf of the DUP for a world record attempt - which has been rejected.

In a statement they said: "The UUP has been informed that the Guinness book of World Records has not accepted the application made on behalf of the DUP for a world record for "most ministerial resignations" in a single mandate.

"DUP ministers have resigned a total of 27 times since May 2011.

"The Guinness World Records team have pointed out they assess applications to very strict criteria, including the requirement that those attempting to break records demonstrate 'an element of skill'."

When asked for a response, a spokesman for the DUP said: "The Ulster Unionist Party obviously have a lot of time on their hands that they feel this is an important issue for them to pursue."

The Guinness World Records team said they "do not get involved in matters of political interest".

In a statement it said: "Guinness World Records can confirm that it has rejected a record application from the Ulster Unionist Party in Northern Ireland on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party.

"Guinness World Records does not get involved in matters of political interest.

"Our team of expert Records Managers receive thousands of new record proposals every year from all over the world which are carefully assessed to establish if they meet our stringent criteria."